By Marco Selorio
FB @marcoandreselorio
Australia has found a future star in the making. Filipina-Australian tennis sensation Lizette Cabrera is starting to make some serious noise in the tennis world, and she is only just beginning to scratch the surface.
The 20-year old hotshot is a professional tennis player who hails from Brisbane City. She is officially ranked 157 in the WTA Tour.
Born and raised in Townsville, her parents discovered her talent early on and encouraged her to play the sport. They relocated to Brisbane to fast track her development at the National Academy. After turning pro in 2012, there was no looking back for Cabrera.
In 2015, Cabrera made a breakthrough and won two ITF singles titles in Brisbane and Tweed Heads. She finished that year ranked 1062 in the world. It was a promising start for the dreamy-eyed youngster.
The jet-setting Cabrera put in the hard yards and continued to climb up the WTA ladder. Two years later, her world ranking shot up into the Top 200. She has already played twice in the Australian Open and represented Australia in the Federation Cup. She currently sits as the sixth-best female tennis player in the country.
It’s quite an achievement for this charming Filipina-Australian tennis ace.
“Trust the process,” said Cabrera.
Now she is hell bent on making the Top 100 sooner than later. She has modelled her game after tennis champ Victoria Azarenka and draws inspiration from Serena Williams. On the court, Cabrera mixes it up with finesse and clever net play. Her weapon of choice is her forehand. Right-handed.
Despite all her success, Cabrera tries to focus on the bigger picture. She continues to put in the hours and the hard work to improve her game. Sponsorship has been elusive but she remains patient, enjoying every experience and blessing that comes her way.
During her downtime, she likes to dance and listen to R&B music. On the road, she reminisces about coming home, when her mom and dad would prepare some chicken adobo, pancit and sinigang. Nothing like a home cooked Pinoy meal.
She would love to visit the Philippines one day.
“My mom is from Basilan and my dad is from Pampanga. I would love to visit these places and reconnect with my roots,” said Cabrera.
She added, “Maybe someday I might have a chance to go into one of those TV shows like Showtime or ASAP to show off my dancing skills!” (laughs)
Her message to aspiring Filipino tennis players is to work hard and dream big.
“I have set my goals higher so that I can continue to improve and see progress in my game. I hope to break into the Top 100 by the end of the year or come close to it. You got to love the process more than the result.”